Little Lake Theatre brings creativity to all ages
Submitted
The passion of a mother and son created a community theatre program in Canonsburg that still thrives today.
In 1949, Edith Disney and her son, Will, started Little Lake Theatre in an old barn in Washington County. There, they put on plays and started a 75-year tradition of inclusivity and creativity.
Actors ranging in age from 6 to 80 come together to perform a variety of theatre.
“Our Artistic Director Patrick Cannon really understands and finds things that will appeal to a broad range of theatre goers. We want to engage the community and it’s an ongoing thing to get to know your audience and what appeals to them,” said Managing Director Patricia Knapp.
The theatre has offered performances ranging from “Curious George: The Golden Meatball” to “Lord of the Flies” in 2023, ending the year with Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” this holiday season.
The goal, according to Knapp, is to give all ages and talents an opportunity to participate, whether that be in a children’s musical or in the production of a beloved classic.
In fact, acting camps offered throughout the summer are structured for young thespians to learn those classics to which they might not otherwise be exposed.
“We have camps for the younger kids, ages 6 to 10, a musical theatre camp for ages 10-18 and also acting classes for ages 10-18,” Knapp said. “Our instructors really want to educate and help them grow. They might know the new musicals, but for example, last year, they did ‘Oklahoma,’ sharing new songs and a new story they didn’t know.”
Community theatre is often associated with child actors but at Little Lake children, and adults of all ages and skill levels are welcome to get involved.
Just next door to the small theatre is a senior apartment complex, creating some avid supporters and volunteers with programming.
When it comes to putting together 10 or more shows each year, Knapp said, it takes many volunteers to create the magic.
“We always need people to work as ushers, in the concessions area and behind the stage in costumes, set work and so many other opportunities,” Knapp said. “Anyone can audition on the stage or off the stage.”
In honor of its 75th anniversary, the theatre is challenging the community to donate $75. But, said Knapp, simply purchasing a ticket for one of their shows is another way to support Little Lake.
“We also want to remind people that we’re here,” Knapp said. “We’re doing good work and to come see us.”
Little Lake Theatre Company is located at 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg.
Check the theatre’s website at https://www.littlelake.org for more information, including the new 2024 season announcement.